This introductory level course is designed for students who are curious to learn how living organisms adapt to winter conditions. We will be talking about the stresses inherent for living organisms to survive the harsh winters in Maine and the myriad fascinating strategies that facilitate their survival.

The class will include lectures and discussions, and also incorporate experiential/hands on learning as much as possible. When practical, we may venture outside to continue applying our new knowledge in the immediate vicinity of the class location. We hope you will leave each class with a few new skills to practice over the ensuing week as you enhance your ability to observe our natural world in winter.

Classes will include:

Woody Plants in winter. We will talk about how woody plants and trees adapt. You will learn about selected evergreen and deciduous trees and shrubs, with attention to how winter leaves and winter buds help you identify common species.
Winter weeds. This class will introduce you to the “winter clothing” of specimens in various plant families and how they differ from their blooms.
Animals in winter. This class will look at strategies that animals use to survive with an emphasis on adaptations.
Migration. In this class you will learn about species of the animal kingdom that leave Maine in the winter - where they go, how long the migration takes, and when they return.
Insects in the winter. How insects survive the winter in various stages - eggs, larvae, adults and what you see as evidence they are there.
Lichens are year round. Learn about a few lichens up close and personal and fall down the rabbit hole of psychedelic colors and shapes and tight-knit communities with mind-blowing powers.

About the instructors

Course offerings